Syracuse, N.Y. -- The candlelight vigil Transgender Day of Remembrance became emotional for many people as a candle was lit for each of the 16 transgender people murdered in the United States last year.

Dozens of people gathered at the steps of City Hall Wednesday night in Syracuse to honor and memorialize transgender people who had lost their lives.

Several people spoke before the crowd, including Syracuse Police Chief Frank Fowler.

"Everybody should be able to live their lives the way they want," he said. "Through your continued bravery and education will this community get better."

in 2008, a 22-year-old transgender woman named LaTeisha Green was murdered in Syracuse. A candle was also lit in her memory.

Fowler said that Mayor Stephanie Miner, who could not attend the vigil, has championed equality issues for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. Miner opened City Hall to perform gay marriages the first day they were legalized and last year signed a law prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity and gender expression.

On Wednesday she sent letters to New York's Congressional delegation urging them to support the Employment Non-Discrimination Act.

The Act, which passed the United States Senate on Nov. 7, would require decisions related to the hiring, firing, promotion, or compensation of an employee be made without regard to their sexual orientation or gender identity.